Huge Pump Problems

1

Hi Guys, I am not very technical, always brought an expert to fix stuff until now I got in to this game.
I bought two 4,800 psi 300 bar petrol machines just before we got locked down, had to import from the UK as I cant get decent power / flow rate locally.

The first machine was leaking water when I set it up, it was coming from the bottom of the pump, I stopped and contacted the company and told them it had an issue with the pump,

pump 1
pump 1462Ă—745 321 KB

set up the other and used that for the past month or so without problem.

meanwhile the company were in lockdown so communication was not easy and I though I have informed them so no problem I will get it replaced or refunded later.

Yesterday I had a different problem with the machine that was working, so today I thought ok lets take the good pump of this one and put it on the one with bad pump so I have a decent machine for a big job on Tuesday. I took the pump of the one and found this

pump 2

Everything was smashed to bits.

I thought well at least I know there definitely was a pump problem !

I preceded to put the working pump on the new machine, all went well fitted fine no problem, even changed oil all good.

Started up the machine , started first time,

After a minute or so, Oh no water coming from bottom of pump.

Stopped machine took it apart and guess what

pump 3

another pump mashed !

Both times I did nothing, that I know would have caused this, the pump damaged today was working fine yesterday, all I did was move it to an identical make and model.

the only common denominator is the crankshaft. any ideas what has happened ??

I really have no idea and want to at least sound “not stupid” tomorrow when I contact the sellers.

Sorry if I have not explained very well, help much appreciated !

2

Silly question but was there oil in them?

3

yes, today I actually changed the oil when I put the pump on the new machine, because I have been using it. it was zero issues up to and including yesterday.

4

So you put a working pump on another engine and it disintigrated, and the last pump that was on that same engine disintegrated also, in the same way?

5

yes exactly !

6

The “disintegrator” is brand new ,never used, the water was pouring out of it from set up, thought it was the pump, put the other working good pump on and same, within a minute.

7

Is this a direct drive or belt drive?

8

Water wasn’t pouring out of the engine. You have to think about these components separately. Engine and pump, or engine, gearbox, and pump.

9

sorry for not being specific, definitely bottom of the pump,

10

I’m guessing that that engine is turning to fast for those pumps or possibly the PTO shaft is bent.

2 Likes
11

yeah I think the same although the machines are exactly same, the only common denominator is the shaft / engine.

12

You washing too many free driveways, even your pump disagrees, I’ve had it!! Kaput! :face_with_hand_over_mouth:

13

Never washed a drive way for free and would not either. I have done a few pavements / sidewalks which fall under the local council who would not do them.

I was hoping for advice from you experienced guys ! i have lost 2 washers … not funny

14

Someone recently lost a gear box due to the shaft being too long and not using spacers. That “could” be your issue. Pump not correct for shaft size/length. Are you using a gear box or belt drive?

15

its direct drive

16

Hmm. Based on two pumps disintegrating my guess would be your shaft is either unbalanced, the wrong size, or the RPM’s were too high. What is the RPM rating of the pump and the rating of your engine?

Engine size/type and shaft size/length?

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17

I honestly don’t know, is a 15HP engine, , 900 ltr per hour flow rate , 4800 psi, 350 bar. doesn’t even say on the spec sheet

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18

Give us some good pics of everything, pieces too, engine and pump, shaft. I cant be certain, but are there any bolts other than the ones for the cover you took off?

19

That shaft bearing are no good. This will sound funny but grab the shaft and see if it you can wiggle it after the you take the pump housing off.

1 Like
20

Wow ,What a train wreck. So for you troubles . You got a line up problem somewhere